Crisis=Shared Challenge

I recently heard someone say that it is important to view the crises in our families as a shared challenge. I absolutely LOVE this way of thinking and what we can learn from it. When a family goes through a crisis and they try to help each other through it, they will be able to function better. There is no doubt that there will be stressors in our lives and that our families will be put to the test. That is why we choose to come to this earth, isn't it? So how can we make sure that our family comes out stronger, rather than weaker? I think the way we think is a huge indicator on if we will survive a crisis in our life. Those with a positive outlook on life and deal with struggles with an optimistic view are more likely to come together as a stronger family. Sometimes it may be hard to look for the positives, but there is always something. I recently did a case study for one of my classes and it talked about a family who had three young boys. They had a flood in one of their homes and then a couple years later had a fire that was caused by one of the boys on accident. Both times the family was able to have a positive outlook on their situation. How did they do this during such a hard time? They talked about how they were able to become closer to one another when they lived in the motel. They tried to maintain normalcy by giving them responsibilities and also involving the kids in the process. Instead of the family trying to deal with their stresses on their own, they turned to each other during this hard time and I believe that it why they succeeded.

When things do get tough and it becomes hard to change our negative thinking, try to offer your thoughts to the Lord and ask Him to change you're thinking.  I know that when we involve the Lord in our lives, especially  during the hard times, He will bless us. It may not be in the way that we plan/think, but I know He will bless us nonetheless. I think it is also important to learn from our past stresses/crises in our lives. Think back to what we did wrong or what we wish we would have done. Take what you wish you would have done and use that to better cope for the next trial in your life. Being prepared for any possible stressors/crises will definitely help you stand strong during those times.